--Northstar will operate four lifts and six trails, including beginner and intermediate terrain, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Ski schools for adults and kids, and the skating rink will open too.

--Heavenly will open with two lifts and two runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. A third lift and the mile-long Orion trail are expected to open this weekend. Half-day beginner lessons will be available on opening day.

--On Friday, Kirkwood will open one lift and five trails, and Squaw Valley plans to open four lifts (Searchlight, Red Dog, Squaw Creek and First Venture) and four runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Southern California ski resorts opened early too, with Mountain High in Wrightwood being first on Sunday followed by Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake on Monday.